Need of oral health promotion through schools among developing countries

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Badr Ahmed Alrmaly, Mansour K AsseryDOI:10.4103/jioh.jioh_242_17

Schools can provide a supportive environment for promoting oral health. Schools can also provide an important network and channel to the local community. Health promotion activities can be targeted at home and throughout the community by school personnel. This school-home-community interaction is an important aspect of a health-promoting school. An effective school oral health program is one of the most cost-effective interventions a nation can make to simultaneously improve education and oral health. Therefore, there is a need of formulating appropriate and feasible strategies with an objective of promoting oral health through schools for school settings. Thus, need for oral health promotion is a very important aspect to be looked upon. Schools play a significant role in oral health promotions.

Aim: Tooth mobility has always been a monumental factor in determining the prognosis of a tooth. There are no indices that link the etiology, grade of mobility, and radiographic appearance with treatment options for mobile teeth. This particular article aims to overcome the oversight and bring in a scoring system that incorporates all the above mentioned components. Materials and Methods: Previously existing index for tooth mobility has been modified (G Score) to make it more defined numerically and clinically, and it has been combined with indices for etiology (E Score) of tooth mobility and radiographic appearance (R Score) of mobile teeth. The Grading Etiology Radiographic appearance (GER) scores have then been allied with a combination of treatment methods (T Score) to get the Grading Etiology Radiographic appearance Treatment (GERT) index. Results: The index that results from this combination is one that encompasses the factors that determine the prognosis and treatment aspects of a mobile tooth. The index given in this article takes into consideration the components that contribute to the diagnosis of the etiology of tooth mobility such the clinical presentation and the radiographic appearance. The grade of mobility has been modified to allow for precise numerical assessment of mobility. Thus, the treatment plan proposed considers the basic cause for the mobility and the comprehensive treatment modality for the same. Conclusion: Although the index appears elaborate, once mastered, it would pave the way for a thorough treatment planning for mobile teeth and efficient execution of the treatment plan.

Aims: A study was conducted with an intent to compare the changes in plaque pH after rinsing with sucrose (arch criminal), milk with sugar, and green tea with sugar. Materials and Methods: A randomized, open-label, single exposure study was conducted in 30 children (aged 8–12 years). Plaque pH was measured after rinsing with sucrose (control group; n = 10), milk with sugar (n = 10), and 2% green tea with sugar (n = 10) at an interval of 5, 10, 20, and 30 min (short-term clinical trial). Results: Difference in mean plaque pH values between the groups and at different time intervals was statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and repeated measures ANOVA. The final plaque pH results revealed that in spite of adding sugar, green tea showed statistically significant difference when compared to comparators. Conclusion: The present study recommends the use of green tea with sugar in children as it is a potent caries preventive measure which prevents drop in plaque pH.

Assessment of the perceived communication competence of senior undergraduate dental students: A study of the quality of data and orders written in prosthodontics' laboratory forms

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Manal R Alammari, Roaa AlbagarDOI:10.4103/jioh.jioh_192_17

Background: Although principled responsibilities are on dentists to prescribe and communicate prosthodontics information and requirements to dental technician, studies reveal a lack of communication. Moreover, skills and techniques that students develop during their clinical education are profoundly become attitudes. Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to inspect and observe the quality of prosthodontics instructions and information submitted for both fixed and removable prosthodontics cases immediately at the end of each students' clinical session. Methods: Research ethical committee approved this study. A paper-based examination designed to find out the quality of instructions and nature of information. A self-structured questionnaire was constructed which included general data; year of study, age and gender of the dental student, information of the case type itself, and the clarity and correct instructions. Written instructions and the drawings were categorized as satisfactory and clear, a guide, unsatisfactory and poor, and none, outcome of treatment recorded at the delivery/cementation appointments. Results: Only 36.5% of the whole study samples were satisfactory and clear. Moreover, 37.4% were considered as a guide, 22.8% were unsatisfactory and poor, and 3.3% were without instructions. There was a statistical significance difference between the groups. Results showed that only 42.3% of prosthodontics cases approved on the intended day for delivery and/or cementation with minor adjustments. Nearly 14.6% rejected and unapproved (Redo). Only 9.75% of written information indicated disinfection. Conclusion: This study indicates weakness in communication between senior dental students (SDSs) and the laboratory dental technicians. SDSs are not competent in writing prosthodontics forms. The significance of acceptably completing the forms must be stressed throughout students' education.

Aim: To assess the smoking habits, oral hygiene practices, and self-perceived malodor among arts and science college students in Manimangalam, Chennai. Materials and Methods: An epidemiological survey with closed-ended questionnaire was carried out in an Arts and Science College in Manimangalam, Chennai, to assess smoking habits, oral hygiene practices, and self-perceived malodor. All the 1200 students were invited to participate in the study, but only 650 volunteers participated and a self-administered close-ended questionnaire was distributed. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data. Results: Of 650 students, only 31 (4.8%) had a habit of smoking and 456 (70.1%) were aware of the ill effects of smoking. Among the subjects who participated in the study, 464 (71.3 %) brushed once daily, 457 (70.3%) rinsed their mouth after eating. Self-perceived malodor was expressed by 59 (9%) students and it has interfered with their social life. Conclusion: The habit of smoking was seen in a very small percentage of study participants, and majority of them were aware of its ill effects. There is a need to educate them on brushing techniques and encourage them to visit a physician/dentist whenever they perceive a malodor.

Aims: This study aims to examine the frequency of using of electric toothbrushes (ETB) and investigate the associated confounding factors among Saudi adults. Methodology: Personal interviews of 505 randomly selected Saudi adults were held at popular middle socioeconomic destinations in Riyadh city. A single investigator has conducted all interviews that were carried out by a self-constructed questionnaire using closed format questions. Results: About 21.8% of the studied samples have used ETB with only 5.7% are maintaining its use. Higher level of education showed a statistical significant increased proportion of participants using ETB (P = 0.022). Neither age, sex, nor income has influenced the frequency of ETB use. Most of the samples chose the 50–250 SR price range as a reasonable price to purchase the device. Moreover, never mentioning ETB by the dentist was the most reported reason behind not using ETB (70.1%). Conclusion: About less than the quarter of the sample have used ETB, with only 5.7% maintaining its use. The reported low frequency would reflect the decreased attention paid by clinicians toward ETB.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the staff perspective toward endodontically treated teeth (ETT) restoration at selected dental clinic to promote prevention strategies for improving the management outcome. Materials and Methods: A descriptive research design was utilized in the current research. A total of 150 dental staff at selected dental clinics were given a structured questionnaire on April 2017. Their reply reflects that there was a high level of the studied dental staff perspective about the restoration of ETT in relation at selected dental clinics. Data were collected based on selected cases to investigate the success and survival of restored ETT in a general practice environment related to restorative parameters. Success was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier statistics and a multivariate cox regression analysis was performed to assess variables influencing success and survival. The inclusion criteria for the selected cases were had 19 teeth were extracted and 27 restorations needed repair or replacement. According to the Cox regression, increasing maximum pocket depth of the tooth resulted in a higher risk for failure (P = 0.012). Descriptive statistics like percentage was used to describe the findings using SPSS software version 20. Results: The current research focus was to assess the staff perspective toward the restoration of ETT at selected dental clinics which was found to be (73.1%). Cox regression analysis was performed to assess variables influencing success and survival. Based on the inclusion criteria for the selected cases which were selected from the patients' records, for treated cases that were had 19 teeth were extracted, and 27 restorations needed repair or replacement. According to the Cox regression, increasing maximum pocket depth of the tooth resulted in a higher risk for failure; the collected findings showed significant differences (P = 0.012). Conclusion: Concerning the dental staff perspective toward ETT restorations at selected dental clinics, the data findings showed that; there was an approximately high level of perspective for dental Staff about the management of such cases within the selected setting.

Aims: This study aimed to assess and compare the feasibility of this new ergonomic position (2'o clock or left rear position) with conventional (12'o clock) position in the exodontia of the mandibular right posterior (MRP) teeth (second and third molars) among right-handed operators. Materials and Methods: An observational questionnaire study was conducted among dental students, faculty, postgraduates, and private practitioners. A self-administered questionnaire which evaluated eight domains, namely, posture of the operator, visibility of the teeth being extracted, fatigue to the operator, accessibility to the teeth being extracted, grasp of the molar teeth, delivery of force, retraction of cheeks, and difficulty in extraction were distributed to the operators. All the items in the questionnaire were based on visual analog scale. Results: A total of 63 operators have completed the study out of which 60.3% were females. The mean age of the participant was 25.63 ± 6.41 years. All the parameters have shown that the mean scores were significantly higher for 2'o clock than 12'o clock positions (P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The new operator position (2'o clock) was more acceptable among the dentists for the extraction of MRP molar teeth.

This report aims to depict a novel method in impression taking and feeding obturator fabrication for cleft lip and palate patients, utilizing three-dimensionally printed base of the skull from presurgical computerized tomography scan data. This technique uses soft and biocompatible medical grade room temperature vulcanizing silicone elastomer as the material of choice for fabrication procedure and reviews a representative patient case of a 10-month-old female child with bilateral cleft lip and palate deformity. Before final insertion, a strap was attached to the obturator as a safety precaution in case of accidental swallowing. The use of this unique technique satisfies all benefits of conventional feeding obturator with the added benefits of reducing most of its discomfort and difficulties of direct impression taking from the infant and fabricating process.

This case report presents the use of orthodontic micro screw implants to intrude an overerupted maxillary first molar as a strategy to obtain adequate interocclusal space for replacing a missing first lower opposing molar. A 37-year-old female who have recently finished her orthodontic treatment and a mandibular first molar missing was treated for the tooth replacement and successful intrusion of the opposing molar using two orthodontic micro screw implants previous to the final restoration. This is a conservative approach to avoid this kind of situations that can complicate the prosthetic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment of an adolescent patient with localized aggressive periodontitis

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Farhan H AlwadeiDOI:10.4103/jioh.jioh_255_17

Screening for aggressive periodontitis (AP) is important since it can occur before, during, or after orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists need to acquire competence and confidence to treat such cases. The success of treatment in these cases requires an interdisciplinary collaboration. For a successful treatment outcome, orthodontists need to work side by side with other specialists. Periodontists play an important role as stable dentition relies on a healthy periodontium. Periodontists provide detailed documentation regarding periodontal examination, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and maintenance of such cases. The case described here is an atypical case that requires an interdisciplinary approach and management of the patient's cooperation and expectations. This report shows the possibility of orthodontic treatment in patients with localized AP.

Susuk, or charm needles, are needles made up of gold or other precious metals, which are inserted into the soft tissues of the body to act as talismans. Susuk has various supposed purposes, ranging from the purely esthetic to the treatment of joint pains and other minor ailments. This practice is also used as protection against injury and accidents. This obscured secret of inserting charm needles is a traditional belief and a cultural phenomenon, commonly practiced among Southeast Asian women. Here, we present two such interesting cases of this concealed art as the incidental radiographic finding, which was done on a routine basis as a part of diagnostic workup at our SEGi Oral Health Center.